Principal Scientist

Principal Scientist – Polymers & Chemistry Practice

Position ID: | Type: Full‑time | Posted Salary Range: USD $225,000 – $275,000 per year

Location

• US-CA – Menlo Park
• US-GA – Atlanta
• US-TX – Austin
• US-CA – Los Angeles
• US-IL – Chicago
• US-MD – Bowie
• US-MA – Natick
• US-AZ – Phoenix
• US-CO – Denver
• US-PA – Philadelphia
• US-WA – Seattle

About Exponent

Exponent is a premium engineering and scientific consulting firm that partners with clients on complex, high‑impact challenges across science, engineering, and regulatory domains.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced consultant for a Principal Scientist position in our Polymers & Chemistry Practice. The role will lead interdisciplinary project teams that investigate and solve complex problems related to the specification, development, testing, and end‑use performance of polymeric materials used in life sciences, consumer products, building and construction, infrastructure, and automotive applications.

Responsibilities

• Leverage deep knowledge in polymer science to address complex challenges across diverse client sectors, delivering scientifically rigorous and impactful solutions.
• Identify, pursue, and secure new client engagements by understanding emerging needs and building long‑term partnerships.
• Maintain and grow trusted relationships with existing clients by consistently delivering high‑quality work, anticipating future needs, and serving as a strategic advisor.
• Build, manage, and empower multidisciplinary teams, fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and scientific integrity.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities to technical staff, supporting their growth into future leaders and experts.
• Ensure successful project execution through effective planning, resource allocation, and budget management while maintaining high standards of quality and timeliness.
• Offer high‑level scientific and strategic advice to internal stakeholders and external clients, contributing to the firm’s thought leadership and client impact.
• Enhance the firm’s visibility and credibility by publishing in peer‑reviewed journals, presenting at industry conferences, leading seminars, and participating in expert advisory or technical committees.
• Inspect, test, and analyze polymeric materials to assess specifications and reliability across a wide range of applications.
• Perform root‑cause investigations on failing or under‑performing materials/components by scientifically examining development, manufacturing, and end‑use environments in the construction, medical device, consumer electronics, and automotive industries.
• Anaylze information and convey technical conclusions to engineering, business, legal, and industry stakeholders, communicating testing rationale in product development, defect claims, and intellectual property disputes.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• PhD in Polymer Science or Materials Science with a focus on polymer structure‑property‑performance relationships.
• Minimum of 10 years of consulting experience in the polymer science or materials science space.
• Proven track record of business generation and attracting new and repeat clients or funding.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations in your scientific field.
• Outstanding reputation among clients and the scientific community for integrity, responsiveness, and technical expertise.
• Adept people‑management abilities coupled with extensive experience in successfully overseeing and executing complex projects.
• Strong commitment to professional development.
• Revenue‑generating role with substantial sales expectations: required to achieve annual sales in excess of $1 million and manage an active client portfolio that consistently generates at least $1 million in annual revenue within industrial sectors or law firms.

Benefits & Compensation

Salary Range: USD $225,000 – $275,000 per year. Total compensation includes base salary, annual bonus, and a 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

Benefits information is available on our Life @ Exponent page.

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

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